based on 17 reviews
Challenger School
3880 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto, CA
94301
(650) 213-8245
kabdul-haqq@challengerschool.com
http://www.challengerschool.com
By: parent
Date: February, 2005
I have been very impressed with the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of the teaching staff. I removed 2 children from Palo Alto public schools (grades 4 and 5) due to lack of consistency in teaching the proposed district curriculum. My children adjusted to the increase work load at Challenger School and have much greater self confidence as a result of the program.
By: parent
Date: December, 2006
We were not happy with our local public school, so we decided to send our daughter to Kindergarten at Challenger. Going in, I was worried about others comments that the program is too rigid and acamdemic, but we have been very happy here. I think the school is best suited for highly motivated learners since they cater to the top learners, which is something I like for my child. In addition to the academics, I have found the teachers to be very enthusiastic and energetic. They have singing every day (which my daughter loves) as well as art projects, and if they are in the after school program, a variety of music, art, and sports activites (our daughter is currently doing soccer and piano). I don't thinkt the school is for everyone, because some parents think the workload is too much, but so far, we have not had that problem.
By: parent
Date: June, 2006
Challenger's preschool program is one of the best. My 4 year old loves going to school. In addition to reading, writing, math, and science, Challenger School teaches and fosters basic good maner. The school uses art to complement science. For example, during the month where the theme is the Solar System, students will learn songs about the Solar System, create drawing of the 9 planets with their unique characteristics, etc. We are extremely satisfied with the program, and very impressed with how much our 4 year-old has learned. He now knows how to read, spell simple words, and adding numbers between 1 and 20. Shcool has a good formula to make learning fun. The only complaint (very minor) is there is not enough time spent in the playground (40 mins a day) Overall, preschool program is terrific, and those who could afford it should really consider Challenger Shcool.
By: parent
Date: November, 2005
Excellent school with generally effective teachers, highly involved parents, rigourous but not daunting curriculum. Such a change from the public schools philosophy of gearing the work to the lowest performing students. This school's techniques do not punish intelligent kids like public schools, but foster's their critical thinking skills and core curriculum knowledge. Curriculum is very uniform from campus to campus. Even preschool is perfect combination of reading skills, themed lessons, and good old fashioned creative play time. I have children in 4 yr Pre-K and 4th grade, and love it. The only down side is the price and the assumption that since the parents can afford to send their kids to this pricey school, the families are very rich. I work two jobs so my kids can attend, but I've been buffed by this attitude a few times.
By: parent
Date: May, 2007
My child attends the preschool at palo alto campus. She loves learning and everyday they learn by playing and singing. The school provides a safe environment for my child and I appreciate that. I like both her teachers. They are kind and caring. I would like for the kids to get more play time, they only get 40 min a day. Challenger is a controlled environment and if you like free play and learning from your peers for your child, this is not the school for you.
By: parent
Date: February, 2005
Excellent acdemic program. Challenger provides rigourous academics program. Kids start reading simple words by Pre-K and become fluent readers by Kindergarten. The curriculum is intense but the teachers donot have very high level of experience. There are additional 'clubs' that children can join in after school for music art and sports. Very minimal parent involvement.
By: parent
Date: March, 2006
My daughter has been at this campus for many years and we have had a different prinicple every year. I was happy with the school till this year.. Now I feel that no one is observent or takes the time out with the children
By: Your Neighbor
Date: May, 2008
Challenger is a great school but could have more "enrichment" type activities. I actually heard that next year Challenger will be cuttown down on music and pe and is already downsizing its music and pe teachers. But no official info went to parents yet - I guess we will just learn in September if that's the case.
By: parent
Date: May, 2006
The quality of academic problems are in general good. Be aware of the quality of the teachers.
By: parent
Date: April, 2007
Challenger school's curriculum is great, but the quality of teachers at Middlefield campus is very low. They are not consistent with the school rules and are biased and show favoritism. Teachers do not appreciate creativity and independent projects. Their focus is always on students who are performing good and other kids started to feel they are not smart. Teachers complain about things which are very common mistakes (in academics) made by kids of that age group.
By: parent
Date: January, 2007
I found the teacher to be very unprofessional and so is the principal as well. Very bad Elementary campus compared to other challenger campus. Pre-k/pre-school mgmt and teachers are very experienced and has a very good & caring principal.
By: parent
Date: May, 2007
Horrible school! We took out our kid from the school in a week. The teachers are not at all involved and the school in general is overall geared towards making money and not really caring about children.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: July, 2007
I attender challenger for the 3rd and 4th grade, just as they had started the school. The teachers were terrible, there were no sports, languages, or field trips!!! On top of all of that I remeber being really stressed and swamped with homework.(In the 3rd and 4th grade!!!) There were only 7 people in the entire grade. I am so glad I left the school!
By: parent
Date: March, 2006
children do not get to be kids to much stress Great Teacher though.
By: parent
Date: May, 2005
This is a great school undoubtedly! My kid enjoys every moment spent on this school.
By: parent
Date: January, 2005
This school has been very informative. My family and I have learned a lot from the teachers and have found the children happy and satisfied.
